From the Archives:Not Now Lord!

The Lord been tugging at my heart trying to get me to come out of my comfort zone and step out in faith. I know I’m not the only one. Each of us has a calling on our lives. Our purpose is for such a time as this. We are being trained and prepared daily for the service that He has called us to. He is helping us restructure, restore, and renew all areas of our lives making us living testimonies bringing glory to Him and the name of Jesus.

We all desire for our Lord to bring us from glory to glory and victory to victory. We should want to be mature in our faith and constantly be growing in the knowledge and love of Christ. However, this requires commitment to the Word of God. Not to just be hearers but doers of His Word. Therefore our faith must be tested, exercised, and made strong. Our faith has opportunity to grow when we are challenged to rely strictly on the Word of God and His promises denying what we see, feel, fear, and what our critics say.

We pray and ask Him to change us, make us more like Christ, and to use us. Then he asks us to do something, to change, to go, to stay, to write, to help, to surrender, to forgive, and to love but so often times we respond with “Not now Lord.”

“Not now Lord I’m not ready”
“Not now Lord I’m too weak.”
“Not now Lord I’m scared.”
“Not now Lord we don’t have enough money.”
“Not now Lord what if I’m rejected?”
“Not now Lord they don’t deserve my forgiveness.”

What’s up with all the excuses full of selfishness and fear? If we allow fear to have its way it will come in and squat in our hearts and minds claiming ownership refusing to leave? We must serve our flesh and fear an eviction notice today! “Fear this is not your residence! Get out in Jesus name!”

Remember that we are not in this alone. The Lord would never call us to do something that He has not equipped us for and already prepared a way. He will be our strength, comfort, guidance, hope, and provider. His Holy Spirit will give us the courage and wisdom we need to fulfill our calling. We just need to be sold out and obedient to the Word of God. The Lord desires obedience more than sacrifice.

“Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much more interested in your listening to him than your offering the fat of rams to him.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

“Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey [Your law, a more valuable service than] burnt offerings and sin offerings [which] You do not require.” (Psalm 40:5)

Obedience to the Word of God shows that we love and trust Him. We need to leave our excuses for those who have no faith and remember that we serve a Mighty God. Instead of “Not now Lord” we will say “Ok Lord..I trust you to see me through this. I can do this through Christ who strengthens me. Here we go...”

Lord, forgive us for making excuses when you’ve called us to step out on your Word. We trust you and know that you have made a way for us to accomplish all that you have for us. We know we are not alone. Thank you for your Holy Spirit and all of your provisions. In Jesus name. Amen.

Don't Take The Bait

My husband and I had been in prayer and fasting regarding specific decisions that we needed to make for our family. After seeking our Lord’s face we were sure that He would make it clear to us what direction we needed to take. He has always been faithful to guide and lead us down the right path so we trusted Him to give us direction and to show us His will.

It has been several months now and an option has presented it’s self. But is it God or are we being baited and lured by a temporary solution that only ends in bondage? After reviewing the possibilities of the offer presented to us we realized that it was a trap. At first glance it seemed that the proposal would provide freedom and relief. It was appealing and tempting, too good to be true. My father in law said to us, “I always say if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.”

After digging deeper into the substance we were able to find the hidden hooks that would have hindered and kept us restricted from the freedom that we need. Had we of taken the bait and accepted the offer our circumstances would have changed for the better temporarily, however there were consequences and repercussions for accepting this false promise of peace. We thanked God for giving us wisdom, common sense, wise counsel, His Word, and His Holy Spirit to help us properly evaluate the situation. It became clear to us which way to go.

This isn’t the first time that the enemy as tried to divert us from taking the right path. The enemy will come to us all of with His alluring temptations full of false promises of hope and relief. He makes his offers so tempting and sound so good so as even to deceive, if possible, God’s chosen ones. His goal is to get us off tract and distracted from following God’s will for our life. We must be prepared to properly discern every claim, temptation, and offer the enemy presents.

In the past I more easily fell for the enemy’s lies and deceptions because I desired my own way more than God’s way. I did not read the Word of God daily and therefore I was not meditating on it either. My mind was worldly and full of selfish desires. I was easy prey. I was easy to deceive. Not any more! The enemy has to come correct and tactful now.

Don’t foolishly disregard what I am telling you. The enemy desires to blind us with deception, bind us, and keep us from achieving all that God has for us. I am not giving the enemy too much credit. I am just keeping it real with you and reminding you that this is a spiritual battle. Our enemy, satan is real. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)



Don’t fall for the enemies tricks. Stay on the right path, the narrow road. Know the Word of God and what it means. This is the sword that you will use to defeat the lies of the enemy. His Word assures us that we are on the right path. It is the light that guides and leads us. We are more then conquerors in Christ Jesus and we have the mind Christ to help us discern truth from deception. Don’t take the bait. (Psalm 119:105, 1 Corinthians 2:16)

Is It Right In God's Eyes or Your Eyes?

My spirit is grieved within me. All day yesterday I kept hearing the Lord saying to me “In the end day’s people will do what they think is right in their own eyes.” I searched the Word until I found Judges 17:6 which says, “For in those days Israel had no king, so everyone did whatever he wanted to-whatever seemed right in his own eyes.”

God’s people did not care about their God and his standards for living. They had an attitude of doing whatever they wanted, not what God wanted for them. They had His laws and His directions but they still wanted to have their own way disregarding His Word. This sounds so familiar to the attitude that infuses our culture today. This mind-set does not just permeate the world but has also leaked into the church.

There are believers doing what they think is best for themselves, compromising God’s Word, ignoring what the Word (Jesus) says and hardening their hearts to the Truth. Have we forgotten that we are to be Christ like desiring God’s will for our life and not our own? Lord please have mercy on us.

We must be careful to not become like the children of Israel who constantly hardened their hearts against God and His will for their life. They did not believe Him, did not trust Him, and complained against Him. That generation of unbelieving, disobedient and rebellious people sealed their own fate and did not enter into the Promised Land.

“But,” God says, “I was very angry with them, for their hearts were always looking somewhere else instead of up to me, and they never found the paths I wanted them to follow.” Hebrews 3:10

“Beware then of your own hearts, dear brothers, lest you find that they, too, are evil and unbelieving and are leading you away from the living God. Speak to each other about these things every day while there is still time, so that none of you will become hardened against God, being blinded by the glamour of sin. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as we did when we first became Christians, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

But now is the time. Never forget this warning, “Today if you hear God’s voice speaking to you, do not harden your hearts against him..” Hebrews 3:12-15

The children of Israel had no king but we have the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. He is the Word of God. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the standard that we as Christians are to follow. Our conduct and our opinions should be based on the Word of God. We can not allow ourselves to be conformed to this world, society’s attitudes, and ways of doing things. We are children of light and we must let our light shine for all to see by living the Word of God and standing for truth at all times. There is no room for compromise. These are perilous times. Everything we say and do counts.

“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.” 2 Timothy 3:16

The Word of God must be our standard for living and making all decisions in our lives because His Word stands firm like a great rock, and nothing can shake it. His Word must be our guide not our own selfish desires or our own way of thinking. The Word (Jesus) is the only way. When making decisions we should ask ourselves is this right in God's eyes? Then see if it lines up with the Word of God.

Lord help us to stay on the narrow road. Gives us courage and faith to stand for truth. Let us not follow our own agenda or man’s agenda, but let us follow you. Our faith is in You alone..In Jesus name.. Amen.

"It All Depends On The Christians"

My heart is heavy and my spirit is unsettled about this election. Mostly my heart aches for those believers who are voting opposite the Word of God. Christians voting for a man that goes against everything that we are supposed to stand for.

I wrote to a new friend earlier today about a Word that I keep hearing the Lord saying to me. She responded with her words of encouragement and confessed that she too feels troubled and concerned about this election. She then forwarded me a prophecy that was forwarded to her regarding this election. Read it below and if you have not yet voted please pray and vote the Word of God.

A Prophetic Warning from Pastor Steve Foss Sat, 25 Oct 2008

I am writing to you today an urgent message concerning the coming American election. God has released me to share with you a powerful prophecy He gave me eight years ago. I have shared this prophecy in a number of public meetings, but I have never published it for all our friends and partners.

In January of 2000 God gave me an incredible insight into what was about to happen in the coming elections in America over the next decade.

I am not using this e-mail to tell you, who are citizens of America, who to vote for. However, you need to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. Never in my 22 years of ministry have I seen such a spirit of delusion released upon our country.

In January of 2000, whil e the Republican nomination for president was far from being decided, God spoke to me that George W. Bush would be the president of the United States.
He told me it would be the hardest fought election in American history. I'm sure we can all remember the incredible battle that took place in Florida. He told me that President Bush would be elected to two terms. He told me that during Bush's term there would be a season of unprecedented economic prosperity.

Now despite what the media has said, the economic wealth created during the last eight years was unprecedented. I know the media and one of the political parties has been trying to paint the last eight years as the worst economic time in American history, but it is absolutely untrue. If you look at the wealth created, there were more millionaires created in the last eight years than any time in history.

Multitudes of people were able to sell real estate before the housing market collapse, and received incredibl e transfers of wealth. I could spend hours showing documentation of the wealth created, but suffice it to say, the evidence is there.

God then said to me, "At the end of President Bush's second term there would be an economic collapse." As everyone in the world knows, we have just faced the greatest economic threat since 1929 and the Great Depression. I will speak a little more about the present economic situation a
little later in this message.

Every detail that God gave me has come to pass exactly as He said. Now there is one more important thing that God spoke to me. This is the purpose and the reason I am writing this e-mail today. God spoke to me that after George W. Bush, America would elect its most ungodly president ever.
I'm going to say that again. God spoke to me that after George W. Bush, America would elect its most ungodly president ever.

As of the writing of this e-mail we are now less than two weeks away from voting for our next president. At this time the polls are strongly showing that the Democratic nominee for president will easily win the White House.

Now in 2006 I began to ask the Lord, "Is that guaranteed to happen in 2008?" He spoke to me very clearly and gave me the key words to what I believe holds this election in the balance right now. He gave me these key words that can forever change what is about to happen in America.

He said, "It depends on the Christians."

I am not going to endorse a candidate, nor am I telling anyone who to vote for. I am simply sharing what God has shown me.

I had a vision earlier this year. I saw Barack Obama in this vision. He was speaking to a large crowd and being broadcast on television. He was speaking incredible words of unity, peace, and bringing all sides together; the words were elegant, the words were comforting, and the words were inspiring.

But while he was speaking I saw al l a powerful spirit of violence coming out of his spirit feeding into the spirits of those that were hearing him. That spirit of violence was directed at anybody who opposed what he was saying. Those who heard his words and received it had the spirit of violence being implanted inside of them. It was a rage like I have not seen before.

It was the rage that would be unleashed against those who oppose and stand in the way of Barack Obama's agenda. We are already seeing the beginnings of this spirit manifested here in America. The vicious attacks against Sarah Palin have been unlike anything we have ever seen before. The sheer hate for this woman from people who knew nothing about her, and who claim to stand up and protect the little people, and women, has been shocking.

We now see it with Joe the plumber. These people who are under the influence of this demon spirit of rage desire to completely destroy this man because he dared to question Barack Obama. In f act it wasn't just the question; it was because Barack Obama revealed his true agenda that Joe the plumber became a threat. So the supporters of Barack Obama who had been fed and affected by the spirit of violence went into full swing to destroy a fellow citizen; the very kind of person that Barack Obama has been speaking about in his eloquent speeches, saying how he is the only candidate fighting for them.

I want to put this deep in your spirit. I am speaking as a prophet. The words I'm about to tell you are "thus saith the Lord". If Barack Obama is elected, the attacks against free speech, against those who believe differently than he does, and the systematic use of the government and laws to silence the voice of fundamental Christians will be unlike anything ever seen in this nation before.

I have talked to many Christians, including pastors, not only here in the United States but around the world, who strongly support Barack Obama. Many of them are ang ry with the Republicans, and understandably so. Others are inspired by the thought of electing America's first African American president, while others believe Barack Obama to be a Christian who is very concerned with the poor and needy. I am not going to address any of the many concerns about Barack Obama and his form of Christianity. I am only speaking the words of thus saith the Lord, and you have to decide what you're going to do with it.

But I want to remind you, every word God has spoken to me over the last eight years and every word which I have prophesied about the American government and the elections has come to pass.

God does not give this prophecy to scare us, but to prepare us.

God said that the 2008 election is in the hands of the Christians. Just like when God spoke to Jonah about the judgment coming to Nineveh, when the Ninevites repented God withheld judgment; the same can happen in this election. Even though God spoke that Am erica would elect its most ungodly president, He has given us the ability to stay this judgment.

Now you may be asking, "Are you saying that Barack Obama, if elected, would be America's most ungodly president ever?" Yes!

Now I'm not telling you who to vote for. Some people want an ungodly president. That's their choice. I have watched throughout the world, Christians support political leaders who are blatantly ungodly. So again, this is the people's choice.

I believe if the Christians will pray, repent, and hear the voice of God, a miracle can happen on Election Day. This nation lies in the hands of the Christians. Will we humble ourselves before God and pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done? Or will we allow our emotions, our
feelings, our angers, our greed, our race, the opinions of the media, our fears, to dictate to us and affect who we vote for? If you allow these things to affect you, whether you vote for Republic an or Democrat, you are not being led by the Spirit.

We must spend time in deep intercessory prayer and cry out for God's mercy upon America. For all our friends who are not in the United States, if Christianity comes under the assaults that it would under a government controlled by Barack Obama and the Liberal Democrats, it will have horrible negative effects on the Gospel throughout the world.

All truth is parallel. People say when America catches a cold, the world suffers a flu. This present financial crisis is proof of that. When America is moral and bows its knee to God, it has incredible positive spiritual impact around the world. However, we have seen over the last several decades, when America becomes more immoral that too affects the world.

We need all the Christians around the world to pray for revival to come to America, and for God to have mercy and spare us from this judgment.

Finally, a brief word about the financial crisis. This is not the end time financial crisis. It is very serious, and it is shaking the foundations of the world's economic system. But we will come out of this, and there will be a time again of incredible wealth creation. However, the cracks in the financial system will not be healed. The door has been opened and the way is being made for a one world government system to overtake the world's economics.

The world will falsely look at this situation and say that when the governments individually, and with some unified coordination, jumped in to rescue the world, that it prevented a worldwide depression. In the future, when the true end time financial collapse takes place, it will be very easy for the nations of the world and the peoples of those nations to allow a new worldwide governing body to come to the rescue. Understand that everything that is happening has a significant spiritual purpose.

So don't panic by what you see happening today, but tak e this as a spiritual warning from God. Prepare yourself. Get out of debt. Hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in regards to how you handle money. Let God position you to handle the future complete economic collapse and the overtaking of the world's economic system.

Please pray for America. May God have mercy on us all.

Your friend,
Steve Foss



Steve Foss Ministries
P.O. Box 1592
Keller, TX 76244
817-898-0440
www.stevefoss.com

Don't Be Deceived-Obama Is No Joshua!

OBAMA IS NO JOSHUA

By Cal Thomas Tribune Media Services

Barack Obama’s presidential campaign plans to strike at the heart of the Republican base by attempting to woo Evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics to his side.

The Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody first broke the story on his blog “The Brody File.” Obama’s campaign for the conservative Christian vote, which has largely gone to the Republican presidential candidate in recent elections, has been dubbed the “Joshua Generation Project.” Joshua, Moses’ successor, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. It wasn’t the group that fled Egypt in the Exodus, though. They died in the wilderness, lacking faith in God’s promise. It was the next generation that Joshua led into Canaan. Apparently, if we have enough faith in Obama, he will lead us all into a new America, but if we vote for John McCain, we will demonstrate a lack of faith (in Obama) and die in the political badlands.

Obama is better at biblical language and imagery than any Democrat in modern times. He certainly beats Howard Dean, now the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who once offered Job as his favorite New Testament book. This is cynical manipulation of the devout and it is no better when Democrats do it than when Republicans use religious language for partisan advantage.

Obama has declared himself a committed Christian. He can call himself anything he likes, but there are certain markers among the evangelicals he is courting that one must meet in order to qualify for that label.

Some insight into Obama’s “Christianity” comes from an interview he gave in 2004 to Chicago Sun-Times religion editor Cathleen Falsani for her book, “The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People.”

“I’m rooted in the Christian tradition,” said Obama. He then adds something most Christians will see as universalism: “I believe there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.”

Falsani correctly brings up John 14:6 (and how many journalists would know such a verse, much less ask a question based on it?) in which Jesus says of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That sounds exclusive, but Obama says it depends on how this verse is heard. According to Falsani, Obama thinks that “all people of faith — Christians, Jews, Muslims, animists, everyone — know the same God.” (Her words.)

Evangelicals and serious Catholics might ask if this is so, why did Jesus waste His time coming to Earth, suffering pain, rejection and crucifixion? If there are many ways to God, He might have sent down a spiritual version of table manners and avoided the rest.

Here’s Obama telling Falsani, “The difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and proselytize. There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they’re going to hell.” Falsani adds, “Obama doesn’t believe he, or anyone else, will go to hell. But he’s not sure he’ll be going to heaven, either.” Again, that is contrary to what Evangelicals and most Catholics believe.

Here’s Obama again: “I don’t presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die. When I tuck in my daughters at night and I feel like I’ve been a good father to them, and I see that I am transferring values that I got from my mother and that they’re kind people and that they’re honest people, and they’re curious people, that’s a little piece of heaven.”

Any first-year seminary student could deconstruct such “works salvation” and wishful thinking. Obama either hasn’t read the Bible, or if he has, doesn’t believe it if he embraces such thin theological wisps.

Obama can call himself anything he likes, but there is a clear requirement for one to qualify as a Christian and Obama doesn’t meet that requirement. One cannot deny central tenets of the Christian faith, including the deity and uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and Man and be a Christian. Such people do have a label applied to them in Scripture. They are called “false prophets.”

Repost: Lean Not On Your Own Understanding

Repost from 7/18/08-I know I needed to read this again..

There are many times in my life where I have to make decisions that I am unsure of, or maybe even scared. I pray and ask God to give me wisdom to help me make the right decision. I long with all my heart to do His will, but there are times that I think that I am going to mess everything all up. Then I remember what Proverbs 3:5-6 says and I meditate on these words:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

I begin to realize that I do trust Him with all of my heart. How could I not? I look back at my life and see how He has always been there for me. My Heavenly Father picked me up out the mess I made of my life. He turned me around and put me on the path of righteousness. He delivered me from all my fears. He set my feet on The Rock, Jesus Christ. He is constantly renewing my mind and heart with His Word. He has comforted when I needed to be consoled. He has provided faithfully for my family. We have not lacked any good thing. He has been an On Time God! I trust Him with my life and family.

Lean not on my own understanding? I have learned and I am still learning daily that His ways are not our ways so I can not rely on my own understanding of the things that go on around me. (Isaiah 55:8-9) I can’t figure everything out and I don’t have to. I just know that there is nothing that happens in our lives that God can not use to mold us and make us stronger witnesses for Him. I know that these trials that we go through are testing our faith and developing perseverance. We need to learn perseverance so that we can be mature and complete, prepared so that He can use us to help others. (James 1:2-4)

I believe the trials that we go through are also meant to keep us close to our Heavenly Father. If we did not have troubles in this life how else would we know that He is there to help us and comfort us, unless we needed it? “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

In all your ways acknowledge Him..I acknowledge Him in everything I do. I know that apart from Him I can do nothing. (John 15:5) So I seek His counsel and think about Him constantly because I want to honor and glorify Him with every word and every deed. I pray and ask Him to give me wisdom, courage, and strength to make wise decisions. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9) So when I have to make a decision I am sure that my Heavenly Father will instruct me and guide me along the best pathway for my life. He will advise me and watch my progress. (Psalm 32:8)

Trust the Lord with all your decisions. Pray about everything, even the ‘small’ things. He will guide us down the right path every time. The best part of it all is that even if we make a mistake and go the wrong way he has made our steps firm so even if we stumble we will not fall flat on our face, for the Lord upholds us with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24) Begin seeking God in all areas of your life and he will make all the crooked paths straight! (Isaiah 45:2)

Surrender Daily

When we ask Jesus to come into our lives it should be because we acknowledged that we have sinned against God and disobeyed His laws. We go to Him broken with a contrite spirit, humbly sorry for our sins. Asking Him to forgive us, restore us, transform us and create in us a clean heart. It has become apparent to us that we need Him to help us because our ways of doing things in our lives have lead us down the wrong path. Heart ache and pain are the result of our own selfish and rebellious nature. Tired of this way of life we turn to Him and ask Him to take the wheel. We want him to be our Lord and Savior so we surrender to Him and confess our sins, repent, and ask Him to come into our hearts to live and rule.

This attitude of complete surrender that we have when we realize that we are sinners and hopeless without Him is one that we need to have on a daily basis. The definition of surrender is to give oneself up to another’s power or control. In order to be effective, victorious, powerful Christians then we must choose to surrender daily to the Lord’s will, His Spirit, and His Word.

Our Lord gave Joshua specific instructions when he was promoted as the new ruler of Israel after the death of his mentor Moses. His directives were to 1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, 2) obey God’s Word, 3) always remind the people of God’s Word, and 4) daily read, study, and meditate on God’s Word. Joshua followed our Lord’s instructions and he conquered his enemies and successfully ruled God’s people. This advice is still good today. We can apply these instructions to our Christian walk so that we can be mighty conquerors just like Joshua was. (Joshua 1:6-8)

The writer of Psalm 119 also understood that it was vital to know God’s Word and to submit to it.

“Blessed Lord, teach me your rules. I have recited your laws, and rejoiced in them more than in riches. I will meditate upon them and give them my full respect. I will delight in them and not forget them.” Psalm 119:12-16

“Keep me far from every wrong; help me, undeserving as I am, to obey your laws, for I have chosen to do right. I cling to your commands and follow them as closely as I can. Lord, don’t let me make a mess of things. If you will only help me to want your will, then I will follow your laws even more closely.” Psalm 119:29-32

“May I never forget your words; for they are my only hope.” Psalm 119:43

If we will choose to meditate on and surrender to God’s Word daily we will desire His will and His way of doing things for our lives. His Word will rise up in our hearts and minds and then flow out our mouth producing life. We will be changed and empowered to live victorious Christian lives.

Thank you Lord for your Word that gives us power and courage to produce fruitful Christian living. We will daily surrender our will and lay it at your feet. Your way is what we desire most. Thank you for your power and wisdom. In Jesus name. Amen.

Not Now Lord!

The Lord been tugging at my heart trying to get me to come out of my comfort zone and step out in faith. I know I’m not the only one. Each of us has a calling on our lives. Our purpose is for such a time as this. We are being trained and prepared daily for the service that He has called us to. He is helping us restructure, restore, and renew all areas of our lives making us living testimonies bringing glory to Him and the name of Jesus.

We all desire for our Lord to bring us from glory to glory and victory to victory. We should want to be mature in our faith and constantly be growing in the knowledge and love of Christ. However, this requires commitment to the Word of God. Not to just be hearers but doers of His Word. Therefore our faith must be tested, exercised, and made strong. Our faith has opportunity to grow when we are challenged to rely strictly on the Word of God and His promises denying what we see, feel, fear, and what our critics say.

We pray and ask Him to change us, make us more like Christ, and to use us. Then he asks us to do something, to change, to go, to stay, to write, to help, to surrender, to forgive, and to love but so often times we respond with “Not now Lord.”

“Not now Lord I’m not ready”
“Not now Lord I’m too weak.”
“Not now Lord I’m scared.”
“Not now Lord we don’t have enough money.”
“Not now Lord what if I’m rejected?”
“Not now Lord they don’t deserve my forgiveness.”

What’s up with all the excuses full of selfishness and fear? If we allow fear to have its way it will come in and squat in our hearts and minds claiming ownership refusing to leave? We must serve our flesh and fear an eviction notice today! “Fear this is not your residence! Get out in Jesus name!”

Remember that we are not in this alone. The Lord would never call us to do something that He has not equipped us for and already prepared a way. He will be our strength, comfort, guidance, hope, and provider. His Holy Spirit will give us the courage and wisdom we need to fulfill our calling. We just need to be sold out and obedient to the Word of God. The Lord desires obedience more than sacrifice.

“Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much more interested in your listening to him than your offering the fat of rams to him.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

“Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey [Your law, a more valuable service than] burnt offerings and sin offerings [which] You do not require.” (Psalm 40:5)

Obedience to the Word of God shows that we love and trust Him. We need to leave our excuses for those who have no faith and remember that we serve a Mighty God. Instead of “Not now Lord” we will say “Ok Lord..I trust you to see me through this. I can do this through Christ who strengthens me. Here we go...”

Lord, forgive us for making excuses when you’ve called us to step out on your Word. We trust you and know that you have made a way for us to accomplish all that you have for us. We know we are not alone. Thank you for your Holy Spirit and all of your provisions. In Jesus name. Amen.

Reject Compromise

It is important to keep your conscience clear. We must be careful not to fall into the temptation to compromise the Word of God by trying to justify that certain things are a little wrong, are not that bad, or everyone is doing it. The more we compromise and convince ourselves that something is not that bad we harden our hearts by going against our own conscience. As result our faith will be watered down, weak, and reduced in quality. We will eventually start losing our faith.

“Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right. For some people have disobeyed their consciences and have deliberately done what they knew was wrong. It isn’t surprising that soon they lost their faith in Christ after defying God like that.” 1 Timothy 1:18-19

When we compromise we are defying God and His Word. We must take each commandment and reject any thought of compromise. There can be no additions or subtractions from His Word. We are not to turn to the left or to the right, whatever He commands must be done. All His rules about all things are right, and every false way should be hated. Every word of God is pure, and any addition to them will make us a liar. (Deut 4:2, Deut. 5:32, Deut. 12:32, Joshua 1:7, Ps. 119:128, Prov. 30:5-6, )

The world is constantly compromising its standards. There are women justifying having abortions because they have made a decision to donate their fetus for research. This justification is reducing their moral and ethical standards because they have convinced themselves that they are doing something good. Nations are accepting and recognizing gay marriage-Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and Spain. Even more allow same-sex partnerships or unions. There are even Us states that have compromised the definition of marriage and now recognize or allow gay marriage and same-sex partnerships or unions- California, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

But we are not to be like the world. Although we are in this world we are not of the world. Therefore we must be different. We must not allow our contacts with the world to contaminate and defile us. Our standards are to be in line with the Word of God. Compromise with the world and its things proves the lack of any love for God. (1 John 2:15-17)

If we read and study God’s word daily we will learn to love the Lord, His Word, and His commands. We will begin to see that every command and instruction that He gives us for daily living is full of wisdom and power to help us live victoriously, and win souls for His kingdom. We will not want to compromise His Word because we understand that He knows what is best for us and we trust Him. When we compromise we are selfishly gratifying our own evil desires. Jesus prefers us hot (zealous) or cold (pagans), but not lukewarm (compromisers). (Rev. 3:15-16)

May the Lord help us to be doers of His Word and not just hearers. May we reject compromise and cling tightly our faith. In Jesus name…Amen

Seek Wise Counsel

It is important when making major decisions in our lives and ministries to pray and seek God’s will. It is also wise to seek counsel from mature Christians such has your pastor, leaders, mentors, and especially from those who know you well. These people will be able to give you valuable insight and counsel in love and based on the Word of God.

Proverbs 1:5 “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.”

Proverbs 24:6 “So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.”

Here are some things that I have learned about seeking wise counsel.

1. Be sure to use the Word of God to evaluate the advice given. Proverbs 2:6-10 For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly-his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy.

2. Bad counsel will lead to your ruin. 2 Chronicles 22:3-4 Ahaziah also followed the evil example of King Ahab’s family, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, just as Ahab’s family had done. They even became his advisers after the death of his father, and they led him to ruin.

3. Do not seek advice from people that are just going to tell you what you want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.

4. Repeatedly ignoring God’s Word and wise counsel only leads to death and destruction. King Ahab was an evil king that never wanted to listen to God’s prophet Micaiah. He hated him because he always prophesied trouble for him. He would not accept the Word and repent of his ways. Instead he would ignore Micaiah’s counsel and would consult with heathen prophets who would tell him what he wanted to hear. Until there counsel lead him to a battle that ended his life. (2 Chronicles 18)

Lord, we thank you for your Word which gives us wisdom and helps us to make wise decisions. We also thank you for the faithful wise counselors that you have given us that help us in our daily Christian walk. In Jesus name..Amen.

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Lean Not On Your Own Understanding

There are many times in my life where I have to make decisions that I am unsure of, or maybe even scared. I pray and ask God to give me wisdom to help me make the right decision. I long with all my heart to do His will, but there are times that I think that I am going to mess everything all up. Then I remember what Proverbs 3:5-6 says and I meditate on these words:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

I begin to realize that I do trust Him with all of my heart. How could I not? I look back at my life and see how He has always been there for me. My Heavenly Father picked me up out the mess I made of my life. He turned me around and put me on the path of righteousness. He delivered me from all my fears. He set my feet on The Rock, Jesus Christ. He is constantly renewing my mind and heart with His Word. He has comforted when I needed to be consoled. He has provided faithfully for my family. We have not lacked any good thing. He has been an On Time God! I trust Him with my life and family.

Lean not on my own understanding? I have learned and I am still learning daily that His ways are not our ways so I can not rely on my own understanding of the things that go on around me. (Isaiah 55:8-9) I can’t figure everything out and I don’t have to. I just know that there is nothing that happens in our lives that God can not use to mold us and make us stronger witnesses for Him. I know that these trials that we go through are testing our faith and developing perseverance. We need to learn perseverance so that we can be mature and complete, prepared so that He can use us to help others. (James 1:2-4)

I believe the trials that we go through are also meant to keep us close to our Heavenly Father. If we did not have troubles in this life how else would we know that He is there to help us and comfort us, unless we needed it? “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

In all your ways acknowledge Him..I acknowledge Him in everything I do. I know that apart from Him I can do nothing. (John 15:5) So I seek His counsel and think about Him constantly because I want to honor and glorify Him with every word and every deed. I pray and ask Him to give me wisdom, courage, and strength to make wise decisions. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9) So when I have to make a decision I am sure that my Heavenly Father will instruct me and guide me along the best pathway for my life. He will advise me and watch my progress. (Psalm 32:8)

Trust the Lord with all your decisions. Pray about everything, even the ‘small’ things. He will guide us down the right path every time. The best part of it all is that even if we make a mistake and go the wrong way he has made our steps firm so even if we stumble we will not fall flat on our face, for the Lord upholds us with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24) Begin seeking God in all areas of your life and he will make all the crooked paths straight! (Isaiah 45:2)

Good Morning! This Is The Day The Lord Has Made!!

Good morning!!! This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it! Our Lord is awesome! He is always taking care of me. Jesus is always protecting me and my family. He is making a way when there seems to be no way. He has everything under control. Our lives are in His hands. I can trust Him in everything. I will leave my problems in His hands because I know He cares for me and I understand that He can do a better job resolving them than I can. I will trust Him even if things don’t go the way I planned. I will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit today. I will not let my flesh control me. I will control my tongue and speak only words of edification today through the power of the Holy Spirit. I will take the focus off of me and bless someone else today. I will let me light shine and be a living testimony so that all who see me will know that I am His. Others will see me and want to know what has given me joy, peace, and hope. I will respond Jesus the Lover of my Soul.

Our attitude when we wake up in the morning is our choice. We can determine to wake up and acknowledge that this is the day that the Lord has made and make a choice to rejoice and be glad in it. Or we can wake up with a heavy, negative, “what I am going to do?”, “woe is me” attitude. Having a bad attitude is only making your day harder. Whatever you’re going through leave it in God’s hands. Trust me He is working it all out for your good, better than you can. Stop worrying! Stop meditating on the offenses that others have caused you! Stop being negative, angry, and spiteful! Stop trying to take the focus off of yourself by always talking about people! You are hurting yourself and those around you.

Decide while you are still in bed when you have just opened your eyes, that you will be grateful for another day. While you are still lying there think of everything that you can praise God for and than begin to thank Him for it. Make a decision to leave all your problems in His hands because he can handle them better than we can. Rather than meditating on any trials that you are facing determine to do something nice for someone else. You may even have to sacrifice something like time or money but the Lord will honor your sacrifice and the person you are helping will feel blessed and give glory to God for you.

Pray for those people that you will have to deal with today that may be difficult or insensitive. Ask God to give you wisdom, patience, self control, and an extra portion of love to deal with them. It helps to try to think of what they may be going through in their own lives that may be causing them be so thorny with others.

No matter what determine that you will not let anything steal your joy! This IS the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! In Jesus name!! Amen..

Psalm 34:1, Psalm 55:17, Psalm 59:16, Psalm 88:13 , Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7

Our Steps Are Ordered By the Lord

The Psalm 37:23-24 says,

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Tonight as I read this scripture I feel so encouraged because these verses remind me that God IS guiding my steps. I don’t have to have fear or wonder whether I am making the right or wrong decision. I just need to continue to pray and seek His Word for everything and trust his Holy Spirit to guide and lead me.

I am also assured with these verses that even if I stumble I will not fall because He is there holding my hand. Thank you Jesus for this because I have and will make mistakes. God sees the intent of our hearts though. I thank God that those mistakes will not ruin me because He is and has always been merciful.

Recently my husband and I were given a test by the Lord that we did not quite pass. We got the basic principle of what He was trying to teach us, but we did not do our part by following thru. Therefore we complicated our own way. The Holy Spirit showed us where we went wrong and assured us that this mistake would not ruin us. Our All Knowing God had a back up plan all along. He saw that we would make that mistake and he has already prepared our deliverance. Amen! We will have another chance to pass that test. I am trusting God to direct our steps and I will make the right decision this time, in Jesus name.

His loving kindness endures forever. Trust him with all your heart and acknowledge Him in every area of your life. Seek him out in everything and He will be faithful to make your way straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 40:1-3

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